Best Hanging Plants and Trailing House Plants UK Homes Need

Hanging plants and trailing house plants UK homes love add vertical interest to your space, making use of often-neglected upper areas whilst creating stunning living displays. Trailing indoor plants for shelves, hanging baskets, and high spaces are increasingly popular in the UK, where the average Brit spends £306.71 annually on houseplants. These trailing plants offer excellent value—they’re typically fast-growing, easy to propagate, and make dramatic statements without consuming precious floor space.

From cascading pothos to an elegant string of hearts, hanging plants transform rooms by adding greenery at eye level and above. These trailing plants work brilliantly on shelves, in macramé hangers, or suspended from ceiling hooks.

Whether you’re looking for lush, trailing vines for a bright bathroom, low-maintenance options for a dim hallway, or pet-safe choices for homes with curious animals, this guide covers the best hanging houseplants suited to UK growing conditions.

For those new to houseplant care, many hanging plants are also featured in our best beginner houseplants UK guide, offering resilience alongside beautiful cascading growth.

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Why Choose Hanging Houseplants?

Space efficiency: Perfect for small UK flats and homes where floor space is limited. Hang from ceilings, mount on walls, or place on high shelves.

Vertical gardening: Draw the eye upward, making rooms feel larger and more dynamic.

Natural growth habit: Many tropical plants are naturally trailing or climbing species—hanging displays suit their growth patterns.

Air circulation: Elevated plants receive better air flow, reducing fungal problems and pest issues.

Pet safety: Keeps potentially toxic plants away from curious pets and young children (though always verify individual plant toxicity—see our best pet-safe houseplants UK guide).

Design flexibility: Creates green cascades, softens hard architectural lines, and adds life to blank walls.

Easy maintenance: Many trailing plants tolerate some neglect, making them ideal for busy households.

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What Makes a Good Hanging Houseplant?

Trailing or cascading habit: Plants that naturally grow downward rather than upright.

Relatively lightweight: Heavy plants strain hanging mechanisms and can become unstable.

Adaptability: Species that tolerate varying UK light levels, humidity, and temperature fluctuations.

Forgiving nature: Varieties that bounce back from occasional watering mistakes.

Fast growth: Plants that quickly create impressive displays.

Attractive from below: Foliage that looks good when viewed from underneath.

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Best Hanging Houseplants for UK Homes

Here are the top trailing indoor plants for shelves, hanging baskets, and elevated displays, all suited to UK growing conditions:

1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Why it’s excellent: Pothos is arguably the perfect hanging houseplant for UK conditions. Extremely tolerant of neglect, low light, and irregular watering, it produces cascading vines that can reach several metres in length.

Light needs: Low to bright indirect light. Tolerates UK winter darkness better than most plants—ideal for best houseplants for dark rooms.

Watering: Allow top 5cm of soil to dry between waterings. Forgiving of occasional missed waterings.

Growth rate: Fast—expect 30-90cm of growth per year.

Varieties: Golden Pothos (green with yellow variegation), Marble Queen (white and green), Neon Pothos (bright chartreuse), Jade Pothos (solid green).

Care tips: Wipe dust from leaves monthly. Prune to encourage bushiness. Incredibly easy to propagate in water.

Pet safety: ⚠️ Toxic to cats and dogs.

2. Tradescantia (Inch Plant/Wandering Jew)

Why it’s excellent: Fast-growing with stunning coloured foliage ranging from purple to pink to silver. Produces dense, full growth quickly.

Light needs: Bright indirect light for best colouration. Tolerates some direct morning sun.

Watering: Keep soil lightly moist. More tolerant of overwatering than many houseplants.

Growth rate: Very fast—can grow 15-30cm per month in summer.

Varieties: Tradescantia zebrina (purple and silver), T. fluminensis (white and green), T. pallida ‘Purple Heart’ (deep purple).

Care tips: Pinch back regularly to prevent legginess. Roots easily from cuttings—pop stems directly into soil.

Pet safety: ⚠️ Mildly toxic to pets; can cause skin irritation.

3. String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)

Why it’s excellent: Unique bead-like leaves cascade like green jewellery. Sculptural and conversation-starting.

Light needs: Bright indirect to direct light. Needs good light to maintain compact bead spacing.

Watering: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings. Drought-tolerant succulent that prefers neglect.

Growth rate: Moderate—30-60cm per year.

Care tips: Use cactus compost for drainage. Water less in winter. Fragile stems—handle carefully. Propagate by laying stems on soil.

Pet safety: ⚠️ Toxic to cats and dogs.

4. String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii)

Why it’s excellent: Delicate heart-shaped leaves on thin, trailing stems. Low maintenance and tolerates UK conditions well.

Light needs: Bright indirect light. Some direct morning sun acceptable.

Watering: Allow soil to dry between waterings. Semi-succulent that stores water in tuberous roots.

Growth rate: Moderate—grows 30-60cm per year.

Varieties: Regular (green with silver markings), variegated (pink, cream, and green).

Care tips: Prune to encourage fullness. Propagates easily from stem cuttings or tubers that form along stems.

Pet safety: ✅ Non-toxic to pets.

5. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

Why it’s excellent: Classic Victorian-era hanging plant with lush, arching fronds. Excellent air purifier.

Light needs: Bright indirect light. Avoid direct sun which scorches fronds.

Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Requires regular watering—check every few days in summer.

Growth rate: Moderate to fast in humid conditions.

Care tips: Needs high humidity—perfect for UK bathrooms. Mist regularly or use pebble trays. Can be temperamental but rewarding. Trim brown fronds at base.

Pet safety: ✅ Non-toxic to pets.

6. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Why it’s excellent: Produces cascading plantlets on long stolons, creating a tiered effect. Nearly indestructible.

Light needs: Bright indirect light. Tolerates lower light but produces fewer plantlets.

Watering: Water when top 2-3cm of soil dries. Very forgiving.

Growth rate: Fast—especially plantlet production.

Varieties: Variegated (white stripes), ‘Bonnie’ (curled leaves), solid green.

Care tips: Remove brown leaf tips with scissors. Plantlets can be left attached or propagated. See our how to propagate houseplants guide for details.

Pet safety: ✅ Non-toxic to pets—safe choice for animal households.

7. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

Why it’s excellent: Classic trailing plant with elegant, lobed leaves. Hardy and tolerates UK conditions exceptionally well.

Light needs: Low to bright indirect light. One of few plants genuinely happy in shade.

Watering: Keep lightly moist. Tolerates occasional dryness.

Growth rate: Fast—can grow 60-90cm per year.

Varieties: Many cultivars with different leaf shapes and variegation patterns.

Care tips: Prune regularly to control growth. Check for spider mites (its main pest). Rinse leaves under shower monthly.

Pet safety: ⚠️ Toxic to cats and dogs.

8. Philodendron (Heart-Leaf Philodendron)

Why it’s excellent: Similar care to pothos but with glossier, heart-shaped leaves. Extremely easy to grow.

Light needs: Low to bright indirect light. Very adaptable.

Watering: Allow top 5cm to dry between waterings.

Growth rate: Fast—60-90cm per year.

Varieties: Brasil (yellow variegation), Micans (velvety bronze leaves), standard green.

Care tips: Clean leaves regularly. Prune to shape. Propagates easily in water.

Pet safety: ⚠️ Toxic to cats and dogs.

9. Devil’s Ivy/Scindapsus (Scindapsus pictus)

Why it’s excellent: Silvery splashed leaves on trailing vines. Slightly more compact than pothos.

Light needs: Medium to bright indirect light. Silver markings fade in low light.

Watering: Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Growth rate: Moderate—30-60cm per year.

Varieties: ‘Argyraeus’ (silver spots), ‘Exotica’ (larger silver patches).

Care tips: Similar care to pothos. Slower growing, making it good for smaller spaces.

Pet safety: ⚠️ Toxic to cats and dogs.

10. Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum)

Why it’s excellent: Thick, succulent leaves on trailing stems create a unique textural display.

Light needs: Bright indirect to direct light. Can handle some direct sun.

Watering: Allow to dry completely between waterings. Very drought-tolerant.

Growth rate: Slow to moderate.

Care tips: Fragile leaves drop easily—handle minimally. Use cactus compost. Water less in winter.

Pet safety: ✅ Non-toxic to pets.

11. Rhipsalis (Mistletoe Cactus)

Why it’s excellent: Unusual trailing cactus with thin, cylindrical stems. Low maintenance and interesting texture.

Light needs: Bright indirect light. Tolerates some shade.

Watering: Water when top 2-3cm dries. Less than typical cacti as it’s epiphytic (grows on trees in nature).

Growth rate: Moderate.

Care tips: Perfect for beginners seeking something different. May produce small white berries.

Pet safety: ✅ Non-toxic to pets.

12. Hoya (Wax Plant/Hindu Rope)

Why it’s excellent: Thick, waxy leaves on trailing stems. Produces fragrant, star-shaped flowers when mature.

Light needs: Bright indirect light. Needs good light to bloom.

Watering: Allow soil to dry between waterings. Semi-succulent.

Growth rate: Slow to moderate.

Varieties: Hoya carnosa (waxy leaves), Hoya linearis (thin, needle-like leaves), Hindu Rope (twisted, curled leaves).

Care tips: Don’t remove flower stems after blooming—they rebloom from same spots. Patient plant that rewards long-term care. See our Turtle Vine care guide for similar trailing succulent care.

Pet safety: ✅ Non-toxic to pets.

13. String of Turtles (Peperomia prostrata)

Why it’s excellent: Tiny, turtle-shell-patterned leaves on delicate trailing stems. Charming miniature option.

Light needs: Bright indirect light. Avoid direct sun.

Watering: Allow top soil to dry between waterings. Don’t overwater.

Growth rate: Slow—perfect for small spaces or terrariums.

Care tips: Keep in smaller pots. Doesn’t like being rootbound. High humidity beneficial.

Pet safety: ✅ Non-toxic to pets.

14. Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus)

Why it’s excellent: Dark green, glossy leaves with vibrant red, tubular flowers emerging from dark calyxes.

Light needs: Bright indirect light needed for flowering.

Watering: Keep lightly moist during growing season. Reduce in winter.

Growth rate: Moderate.

Care tips: Requires more humidity than most—good for UK bathrooms. Prune after flowering. Feed regularly during growing season.

Pet safety: ✅ Non-toxic to pets.

15. Wandering Jew (Tradescantia pallida ‘Purple Heart’)

Why it’s excellent: Deep purple foliage creates dramatic contrast against green plants. Very easy to grow.

Light needs: Bright light (including some direct sun) for best purple colouration. Turns green in shade.

Watering: Keep lightly moist. Tolerates irregular watering.

Growth rate: Very fast—one of the quickest growing houseplants.

Care tips: Pinch regularly to prevent legginess. Propagates ridiculously easily—stick cuttings straight into soil.

Pet safety: ⚠️ Mildly toxic; can cause skin irritation in pets.

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Hanging Houseplants Comparison Table

Plant	Light Needs	Difficulty	Pet Safe	Growth Rate
Pothos	Low to bright indirect	Very easy	❌ No	Fast
Tradescantia	Bright indirect	Very easy	⚠️ Mildly toxic	Very fast
String of Pearls	Bright indirect to direct	Moderate	❌ No	Moderate
String of Hearts	Bright indirect	Easy	✅ Yes	Moderate
Boston Fern	Bright indirect	Moderate	✅ Yes	Moderate to fast
Spider Plant	Bright indirect	Very easy	✅ Yes	Fast
English Ivy	Low to bright indirect	Easy	❌ No	Fast
Philodendron	Low to bright indirect	Very easy	❌ No	Fast
Scindapsus	Medium to bright indirect	Easy	❌ No	Moderate
Burro’s Tail	Bright indirect to direct	Easy	✅ Yes	Slow to moderate
Rhipsalis	Bright indirect	Easy	✅ Yes	Moderate
Hoya	Bright indirect	Easy to moderate	✅ Yes	Slow to moderate
String of Turtles	Bright indirect	Moderate	✅ Yes	Slow
Lipstick Plant	Bright indirect	Moderate	✅ Yes	Moderate

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Best Hanging Plants and Trailing Plants by Room

Trailing indoor plants for shelves and hanging plants work differently in various rooms based on light and humidity. Here’s where each variety thrives:

Bathrooms (High Humidity)

Best choices: Boston fern, pothos, philodendron, English ivy, tradescantia

Why: These plants thrive in the naturally humid conditions UK bathrooms provide, especially after hot showers. They also tolerate the lower light levels typical of windowless or north-facing bathrooms.

Kitchens (Variable Humidity, Good Light)

Best choices: Spider plant, pothos, English ivy, tradescantia

Why: Kitchens often have good light from multiple windows. These plants tolerate temperature fluctuations from cooking and are hardy enough to survive occasional neglect when you’re busy.

Living Rooms (Bright, Indirect Light)

Best choices: String of hearts, string of pearls, lipstick plant, hoya, scindapsus

Why: Living rooms typically offer the best light conditions. Showcase more decorative or slower-growing plants that benefit from attention and good conditions.

Bedrooms (Medium Light)

Best choices: Pothos, philodendron, spider plant

Why: These plants tolerate varying light levels and purify air whilst you sleep. Low-maintenance options suit rooms where you’re less likely to notice daily changes.

Hallways and Stairwells (Low Light)

Best choices: Pothos, English ivy, philodendron

Why: These are the few hanging plants genuinely happy in low-light conditions, perfect for often-dim UK hallways. Their trailing growth softens architectural lines.

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How to Hang Houseplants Safely

Ceiling Hooks

For plaster ceilings: Use toggle bolts or ceiling anchors rated for at least 3 times the plant’s weight (including pot and wet soil).

For wood beams/joists: Screw hooks directly into joists for maximum strength.

For concrete ceilings: Use masonry anchors and appropriate drill bits.

Safety tip: Wet soil significantly increases weight. A small hanging basket can weigh 5-10kg when freshly watered.

Wall-Mounted Brackets

Ideal for heavier plants or where ceiling hanging isn’t feasible. Mount into studs or use appropriate wall anchors.

Macramé Hangers

Stylish and weight-distributing. Ensure the ceiling hook can support the combined weight. Adjustable designs allow height changes without reinstallation.

Tension Rods

For windows or between walls. Maximum weight capacity is limited—suitable for lightweight plants only.

High Shelves

The simplest option. Place trailing plants on tall bookcases, shelves, or cabinets, allowing vines to cascade naturally. No installation required.

Self-Watering Hangers

Reduce watering frequency but add weight. Ensure your hooks can handle the full reservoir plus soil and plant.

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Care Tips for Hanging Houseplants

Watering Challenges

Hanging plants dry out faster than those at floor level due to rising warm air. Additionally, they’re harder to check and water.

Solutions:

• Group plants at accessible heights
• Use a step stool rather than stretching dangerously
• Consider self-watering planters for hard-to-reach plants
• Water until it drains, then empty saucers (or use a drip tray)
• Check soil moisture with your finger before watering—see our houseplant watering guide for proper techniques

Light Considerations

Plants near ceilings receive different light than at eye level. South-facing ceiling spaces may be quite bright, whilst shaded corners remain dim regardless of height.

Monitor: If leaves pale or growth becomes leggy, move to brighter location. If leaves scorch, move away from direct sun.

Humidity for Trailing Plants

Many popular hanging plants (ferns, tradescantia) appreciate humidity. UK bathrooms provide this naturally. For other rooms:

• Group plants together
• Use pebble trays (beneath the plant)
• Mist occasionally (though this provides only temporary relief)

Pest Management

Check regularly for spider mites (webbing between leaves), mealybugs (white cottony masses), and aphids (clusters on new growth). Elevated plants can be harder to inspect—make it part of your routine. See our common houseplant problems and solutions guide for treatment advice.

Pruning and Training

Most trailing plants benefit from occasional pruning to encourage bushier growth and prevent excessive legginess. Pinch back growing tips or trim longer vines and propagate them—see our how to propagate houseplants guide.

Rotation

If plants only receive light from one direction, rotate them monthly so all sides grow evenly. This prevents lopsided growth.

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Best Hanging Baskets and Planters

Nursery Pots with Drip Trays

Simple, functional, and lightweight. Plastic pots with attached saucers prevent drips whilst keeping weight manageable.

Ceramic Hanging Planters

Beautiful but heavy. Ensure adequate hanging support. Choose ones with drainage holes and removable saucers for easier watering.

Self-Watering Hanging Planters

Built-in water reservoirs reduce watering frequency. Ideal for busy households or hard-to-reach plants. Popular brands include Lechuza and Elho.

Macramé with Pot Inserts

Decorative woven hangers fitted with plastic or ceramic pot inserts. Allows easy pot swapping and washing of the macramé.

Wire Baskets with Coir Liners

Traditional style. Require more frequent watering as coir liner breathes. Better for outdoor or conservatory use than typical UK homes.

Hanging Kokedama

Japanese moss ball technique. Decorative but requires frequent soaking to rehydrate. Advanced technique.

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Creating Dramatic Displays

Layered Heights

Hang plants at varying heights to create depth and visual interest. Combine different trailing lengths and leaf textures.

Mixed Displays

Plant several trailing varieties in one large basket for a lush, overflowing effect. Ensure they have similar light and water needs.

Statement Pieces

Use a large, mature specimen as a focal point. A well-established pothos or Boston fern makes a stunning centrepiece.

Colour Coordination

Group plants with complementary foliage colours: purple tradescantia with chartreuse pothos, or silver scindapsus with dark green philodendron.

Room Dividers

Hang multiple plants in a row to create a living curtain that defines spaces in open-plan UK flats.

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

Leaves browning at tips: Usually indicates low humidity or fluoride in tap water. Increase humidity or switch to filtered water.

Yellowing leaves: Overwatering is most common cause. Check soil moisture before watering. Could also indicate nutrient deficiency—see our houseplant fertiliser guide.

Leggy growth: Insufficient light. Move to brighter location or trim back and propagate to create fuller plant.

Dropping leaves: Stress from environmental change, underwatering, or overwatering. Identify cause and adjust care accordingly.

Pests: Spider mites particularly love hanging plants. Spray with water or insecticidal soap at first sign.

Slow growth: Normal during UK winters. Ensure adequate light and reduce watering/feeding frequency. Consult our indoor plant care calendar for seasonal care adjustments.

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Pet-Safe Hanging Plants

For homes with cats or dogs, these hanging plants are non-toxic options:

✅ Safe choices:

• Spider plant
• Boston fern
• String of hearts
• Burro’s tail
• Rhipsalis
• Hoya
• String of turtles
• Lipstick plant

For comprehensive pet-safe options, see our best pet-safe houseplants UK guide.

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Where to Buy Hanging Houseplants in the UK

Garden centres: B&Q, Homebase, Wyevale, and local garden centres stock common varieties seasonally.

Online specialists:

• Patch Plants
• The Stem
• Beards & Daisies
• Hortology

Supermarkets: Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Waitrose regularly stock pothos, spider plants, and tradescantia.

Plant swaps: Join local plant swap groups on Facebook to trade cuttings and find unusual varieties.

With UK houseplant sales increasing 29.40% in recent years, availability has never been better.

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Key Takeaways

Pothos and philodendron: Best all-round choices for UK conditions. Tolerant, fast-growing, and adaptable to various light levels.

Spider plants and tradescantia: Excellent for beginners. Nearly indestructible and grow quickly.

String varieties: More demanding but visually striking. Need bright light and careful watering.

Ferns: Beautiful but require consistent moisture and humidity. Best for UK bathrooms.

Pet owners: Choose spider plants, ferns, string of hearts, or hoya for safe, pet-friendly options.

Watering: Hanging plants dry faster. Check moisture levels regularly and water thoroughly when needed.

Light matters: Most trailing plants prefer bright, indirect light. Few genuinely thrive in deep shade.

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Conclusion

Hanging plants and trailing house plants UK residents love transform homes by adding greenery at eye level and above, creating living art installations that improve air quality whilst maximising limited space. These trailing indoor plants for shelves, hanging baskets, and high displays offer options ranging from bulletproof pothos to exotic string of pearls.

Start with easy varieties like spider plants or tradescantia whilst you perfect your hanging plant care routine. As confidence grows, experiment with more unusual options like string of hearts or flowering lipstick plants.

Remember that successful hanging plant care comes down to three key factors: appropriate light (most need bright, indirect light), proper watering (check before every watering—see our houseplant watering guide), and secure hanging mechanisms that can support wet soil weight. Combine these elements with seasonal care adjustments from our indoor plant care calendar, and your trailing plants will thrive for years, creating stunning cascades of greenery throughout your home.

Whether you’re filling a bright bathroom with Boston ferns or adding drama to your living room with trailing pothos, hanging houseplants offer beauty, functionality, and the satisfaction of nurturing living things in the vertical spaces of your home.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hanging Plants

What are the best trailing house plants UK homes should have?

The best trailing house plants UK homes suit include pothos (extremely tolerant), spider plants (pet-safe and easy), tradescantia (fast-growing), string of hearts (delicate and charming), and philodendron (glossy and adaptable). These handle UK light levels, temperature fluctuations, and varying humidity well.

Which trailing plants work best for shelves?

The best trailing indoor plants for shelves include pothos, philodendron, string of hearts, string of pearls, and tradescantia. These create beautiful cascades without becoming too heavy or requiring frequent attention. Place them on high shelves or bookcases where vines can trail naturally downward.

Are hanging plants easy to care for?

Yes, most popular hanging plants like pothos, spider plants, and tradescantia are very easy to care for. They tolerate neglect, irregular watering, and varying light conditions. The main challenges are reaching them for watering and ensuring they don’t dry out too quickly (elevated plants dry faster due to rising warm air).

What are the fastest-growing trailing plants?

Tradescantia and purple wandering jew are the fastest growing, often adding 15-30cm per month in summer. Pothos and philodendron are also quick growers, producing 60-90cm annually. Spider plants grow fast and produce numerous plantlets rapidly.

Which hanging plants are safe for pets?

Pet-safe hanging plants include spider plants, Boston ferns, string of hearts, burro’s tail, rhipsalis, hoya, string of turtles, and lipstick plants. These are non-toxic to cats and dogs, making them safe choices for homes with curious pets.